Suffolk Police Launch Horse Watch
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
On 27th – 28th May at the Suffolk Show, Suffolk Police launched Horse Watch countywide with the aim of reducing rural and equine crime. People will be encouraged to join the scheme and help establish a spirit of co-operation in the equestrain community, passing on and receiving useful information that will assist with crime prevention. Horse Watch has been running in Mid Suffolk since September 2008 and Suffolk Police are now expanding the scheme across the county to provide a network of information and support to all horse owners and riders.
Membership to Suffolk Horse Watch is free and members will be invited to join the Police Direct messaging facility where they will receive up to date communications on both community and equestrian crimes, as well as other related information. Messages can be received via e-mail, text, voice recorded telephone message to a landline or all three.
Julie Dennis, of the Community Safety Unit says,
“The aim of Horse Watch is to reduce the risk of equestrian related crime by members being aware of the security measures they can take to protect their property. The theft of property is not only devastating financially but can cause immense inconvenience to lose, for example, the saddle that fits your horse like a glove or the trailer you need to transport your horse to shows. As a horse owner I can appreciate the distress that must be experienced if your horse is stolen from its field and I would urge equestrians to look closely at their security and postcode all of their equipment which, in the first instance will make their property undesirable to steal and secondly make it easier to be identified should it be stolen and subsequently recovered.
“Just like Neighbourhood Watch, much can be achieved through general awareness and a little effort from each individual.”
You don’t have to own a horse to become involved; everybody is welcome, whether you just ride occasionally or own the local livery yard. The success of Horse Watch will be in the members and their commitment to sharing important information and helping to reduce the risk of equine crime
Anyone who is interested in joining or would like more information can log onto the Suffolk Police website. http://www.suffolk.police.uk/Crime+Reduction/Watch+Schemes/Horse+Watch/ or contact Julie Dennis, Community Safety Unit on 01473 613994 e-mail horsewatch@suffolk.pnn.police.uk .
